Monday, December 19, 2011

Last week we tried to email at this place the Zone Leaders found for us but that didn't work out well at all.. It was a Volunteer Library and those computers there were dinosaurs. It seriously took 40 minutes to load up. And the internet was very slow as well, to the point that I was there about an hour and had time to read 1 email. So luckily we had Interviews with the mission president and they allowed us to email there for 15 minutes. And I finally had the chance to watch the video that Jenn and Kim made of the Lolly Pop guild. (the little ones) it was really cute. I miss them so much.. :( They have changed so much since I left. And I cannot wait to see them again. And hopefully see them on Skype on Christmas. (I still don't know if i will be able to skype or just call) but I will try to be able to skype.

I have been opening my gifts for christmas. And I enjoy the things you got me. I made the Christmas tree because Elder Gibson and I decided that our apartment needed a tree. I feel like Tyson will be getting home very soon or he already just got home.. I hope that he will email me a little more when he gets back but oh well.. I only got about 6 1/2 months left and I have been thinking of late about my plans for when I return home which I haven't figured out yet.

Christmas time is a hard time for missionary work here.. because everyone is leaving to spend time with their families and all that jazz. But we are teaching a lot of people.. and we have found a bunch of new investigators and are working hard. We had a lesson with a younger guy that is married and our interests are very similar.. we first met him while he was playing the new Call of Duty. And we came and taught the first lesson to him (his wife was with her family for a few days) but I think it went very well and we have another appointment for next Friday when his wife will be there too. We are excited because they are super nice and awesome people. God is definitely helping me because of my Diligence that Elder Gibson is helping me attain.

I read the Pearl of Great Price in 3 days and I wish there was more. I need to finish D&C and I think I will reread the Book of Mormon a fourth time. Things are going good for the most part, just sort of stressful due to not having a car and never knowing whither we will have a place to email or if we will be able to play sports on P-day but I have gotten a lot worse at sports in this area. I am not good at basketball or football now.. and my confidence is failing me. But I am working on it.. I need to start exercising more often and I think that will take care of that.

I am excited for Christmas and that I will be able to talk to you all again! that will be a good day for my soul. I don't think that it will be the same as last year, Better.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

I hope that you have had a good week, and you are all happy and healthy.

Elder Gibson and I are working hard and the Lord is blessing our work because of our Faith and Diligence. We found 5 new investigators this last week and our numbers were the best they have been since I have been in Eugene. I am pretty excited to have Elder Gibson, he is helping me to be 100% obedient and very hard working. We are currently at the mission home having Interviews with President and his wife and because we didn't get a chance yesterday they have allowed us to email really quickly.

My district is doing pretty good, some of them were transferred and I feel like the new members of the brotherhood (the district) will be good for the work.

We are going to try and set a baptismal date this week so we can get more ward trust and more dinners. ;)

This week is going to be a good one we are going to be teaching a bunch of new people and we are pretty good at teaching people together.

I love you guys and am thankful for the gifts that you have given me. And that package that was sent and my christmas presents. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you people.

The church is true.

I love you,

Elder Ballif

P.s. - For christmas I will call/ skype you guys at around 6:30pm (my time)

Monday, December 5, 2011

Hey Family, I hope that you guys are doing well and having a good start to your holiday season.
That windstorm sounds crazy. I could have been like Marry Poppins out there. I hope that all of you guys are alright and safe.

This week I got my companion Elder Gibson.. I like him for the most part and I'm glad he is a hard worker.

I got the packages, the cleats and the assortment of treats. That is terrible that you didn't get to make it to church. But service is the reason we go to church in the first place so that is understandable. Thank you all for that awesome picture that you guys took for me.. I am certainly "feelin" the love. And also Jenn that made my day those pictures and the things that your son said.. It makes me wanna "catch some gatas" with him and his brother. I am excited for Christmas so I can chit chat with you guys.. I love you guys and I am in Ether chapter 2 now and I really enjoy Mormon chapter 8 & 9... good stuff.